The Vampire King's Wife

She watched the beautiful winter of Russia become the hot summer dream Italy. It was breath taking, she couldn’t lie but the situation on why she was here, left her biting her lip with her fang refusing to smile. Alianna had never been anywhere before, and while it was a breath taking first time out, she couldn’t enjoy it properly.  Her heart was in her throat, she felt lightheaded, and she didn’t know if she was okay.  Marco of Italy, the future king of the throne was here. And while that thought send a mind numbing pleasure through her, it also battled a startling fear. If being honest, Alianna always knew her father would have a hard say in who she married. Who she mated.  But she never thought he’d simply GIVE her to someone. She thought she’d at least have a say. But no.  Her future husband had rumored to have more women, concubines, and protentional mistress offers than any future king in this decade.  It was not something Alianna wanted to deal with for the rest of her life. Competing with a bunch of women for a man’s affections. She wanted to fall in love and be cherished as someone’s one and only. Which is why she was right now scowling straight ahead, not looking any of the pretty sights, despite wanting to.  And in that moment, the most feared king of his era, the legendary Delgado Fedorov, wanted to bawl like a baby. Because he could see the young woman in front of him, strong, willowy, and so beautiful it hurt. But he could also see, the six-year-old girl who loved him unconditionally and never got mad at him.  Who only needed extra desert snuck in before bedtime before bed. Behind mom’s back of course making him the favorite…  But all of that was gone and he knew it.  Because now she needed a husband. And that decision has his daughter ignoring him as they speed through this beautiful country to take her to a castle she didn’t want to go to. But he knew it was for the best…she just had to listen.  Sighing, Athena looked between her husband’s mournful stare at their daughter and her distinct bratty pout. It was a cause of her millionth whimsical smile at the adorable relationship. Another indicator that she’d chosen a fine man to be her husband and father of her children.  And while some of his more recent actions made her wonder his intent, she’d come to find out that all was well. And even though her daughter might not know it,  her love story was beginning.  So as they pulled up to the castle, it was no surprise when Athena heard her daughter's voice shake.  “I don’t want to go to in.” Alianna whispered trembling. Athena looked at her daughter carefully, “I know…don’t worry. You won’t be alone. I promise.” Alianna slowly nodded and then as she started out of the black Mercedes May Bach, her father grabbed her hand. Sliding a gold tennis bracelet on her wrist, he pulled her over and patted her head, “Can’t I at least get a bye?”  Alianna’s jaw wobbled and the dam broke, “Why are you trusting me with him? I know I said he might change, but what-.”  Delgado shushed his daughter and calmed the young princess down, “Easy sweetheart.” Eyes bleeding red, Alianna’s fangs began to poke out in anger. Smiling at his hot-headed nature shining his daughter, Delgado ordered, “And calm yourself.”  Slowly doing so, Alianna watched as Delgado nodded to the Italian palace built by the hands of the oldest artist. Castle warded off from mortals, the neighboring villages and homes were all magical creatures of distinction. It was large and beautiful, like a part of the earth itself, the brick castle stood high and glowing.  In the evening sun, it was warm and looked like something off the front of a postcard to send back home. Shaking her head, Alianna wanted to run, but then suddenly a hand clasped hers, turning Alianna looked at Cassie, a gorgeous blonde haired girl with dazzling brown eyes.  The daughter of a vampire king and one of Alianna’s best friends. “Our queen.” Cassie teased and Alianna squealed seeing Cassie had Opal with her.  Cassie Onyx was a girl she’d met when she was twelve. Her father was King of South Belgium and she had an older brother and older sister. Both already married with children and titles of their own.  One summer while her father was in war, Cassie had, had to stay with Alianna. It was her first taste of having a sister.  Opal Wynter was a shy girl who she’d defended against a couple means girls in a ball her parents had thrown. They’d become thick as thieves after she realized Opal had a quick wit and funny sense of humor with people she’s comfortable with. The white-haired girl was a sweetheart with freckles, and Alianna knew a man was going to eat his heart out if he couldn’t have her. Just a weapon maker's illegitimate daughter, the heart of gold young woman was as bright eyed as they come.   Literally, her eyes were white too and it was startling but endearing once you get used to them. Hugging her tight as they spun around, Alianna stopped on the last one.   The only one she was unsure of and didn’t really like. Amber Yoshida.  Amber was a beautiful young woman, and while Alianna had only met her once, it hadn’t been pleasant when the lowly merchant daughter tried to act better than her. But Alianna had quickly put her in her place and when Amber’s father almost failed in business Alianna’s grandfather supposed a trade. Since Alianna had needed a lady in waiting, he decided to give Amber the slot. To pay the good fortune forward and she can come into her own fortune.  And bring in wealth for her family.  But if needed to be reminded, Alianna would remind Amber why she is here. And keep an eye on the sneaky way she looked around.  After bowing to her formally they all bomb rushed her hugging her tight, Alianna looked up when the car started to leave and looked to it moving. She started to tell them to wait, she wanted them with her for this. And Amber smirked seeing this, “Don’t you know?”  Suddenly the front door opened, and as royal guards descended the entrance, they parted to reveal the royal family, “You’re on your own now, you’re parents can’t help you now.” Amber nodded to the door, “We might be looking for husbands,” Alianna’s eyes immediately found Marco’s who looked at her nervously as Amber goaded, “But you have to win over a king.”  And as the wind picked up, blowing her long black hair in the wind, Alianna slowly held her dress as she began to walk forward. Her future coming nearer.